According to the American College of Radiology, the U.S. has 40,816 radiologists. The overall employment of radiologic technologists will grow 9% by 2030.
If you’re interested in a career in medicine, becoming a radiologist is an excellent choice. This highly specialized field requires years of medical training and education, but it can be immensely rewarding. To make an informed decision you can go to a career coaching website to make things clear.
Are you wondering how to become a radiologist? Keep reading to learn more about what it takes to become one.
Complete Prerequisite Courses in College
All medical schools require applicants to have completed specific prerequisite courses. These usually include biology, physics, chemistry, maths, and anatomy with a lab.
You’ll need to check with the medical school you’re interested in attending to determine their specific requirements, as they may vary slightly.
You’ll also need to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The MCAT is a standardized test that assesses your knowledge of critical thinking, reasoning, and various areas of biology and chemistry.
The better you score on the MCAT, the more likely you will be accepted into medical school.
Join Medical School
You’ll need to apply to medical schools and go through the interview process. You’ll complete four years of classes and clinical rotations in medical school.
Medical students cover various courses such as cardiovascular and renal medicine, medical neuroscience, and musculoskeletal medicine. The medical programs also require you to undergo clinical rotations with the help of attending physicians.
These rotations will expose you to different medical specialties, allowing you to find the one that interests you the most.
Finish Your Residency Program
All medical students need to complete a residency program after medical school. A residency is a type of on-the-job training where you’ll work under the supervision of an experienced radiologist.
You’ll spend four years in residency programs. The first year is known as an internship, and it’s followed by three years of training in radiology.
During your residency, you’ll learn how to interpret medical images and diagnose diseases. You’ll also get experience working with different types of medical imaging equipment.
Get Licensed and Certified
After you finish your residency program, you’ll need to get licensed in the state where you want to practice. To do this, you’ll need to pass the medical licensing exam.
You’ll also need to be certified by the American Board of Radiology (ABR). Although certification is not a requirement to become a radiologist, it’s a vital credential that will show you are an expert in the field.
You’ll need to pass written and oral exams to get ABR certification.
Start Practicing and Further Your Education
Once you’re licensed and certified, you can start practicing radiology. You can find a job at a hospital, medical clinic, or private practice.
You may pursue continuing education to stay up-to-date on new medical advancements. You’ll find different radiology courses, and you can choose one depending on your desired area of specialization.
If you want to learn more, click for radiology courses that you can pursue.
Start Preparing to Become a Radiologist
If your dream is to become a radiologist, you should know what steps to take to make that dream a reality.
Our article explains these steps, from completing medical school to getting licensed and certified. With hard work and dedication, you can become a radiologist and enjoy a rewarding career helping others.
Check out the rest of our website for more informative careers articles.